Lyra discovers Mrs. Coulter is her mother and the leader of the Gobblers, a group abducting children. She also learns she can intuitively read the alethiometer, a skill proving invaluable. The Gyptians, determined to rescue the kidnapped children, head North, where they encounter Lee Scoresby, an aeronaut seeking Iorek Byrnison, a dispirited armoured bear tricked out of his armor. Lyra and Farder Coram seek aid from the Witches' Consul, learning of disturbing experiments on children. Lyra convinces Iorek to join their cause by promising to retrieve his armor, leading to a violent confrontation as he reclaims it. The group, now including Lee and Iorek, continues their perilous journey North, while Mrs. Coulter manipulates the Magisterium for her benefit.